78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland’s grammar schools use the SEAG assessment: two papers in November of P7, each with English and maths sections.
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
SEAG
Paper 1
56
60 minutes
SEAG
Paper 2
56
60 minutes
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in November.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the missing digit in this subtraction?
5
1
8
9
−
1
0
□
1
4
1
7
8
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 1
How to work it out
Check with addition: the answer plus the number being taken away gives the top number.
4,178 + 1,011 = 5,189, so the missing digit is 1.
Why the other options are wrong
B (2): This exchanges when there is no need.
C (4): Test this digit: the subtraction would not give the answer shown.
D (0): One too few: check the exchange again.
E (7): This is the digit in the answer, not in the number taken away.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, My sister, who is twelve, loves chess.
How to work it out
The correct sentence is: My sister, who is twelve, loves chess.
Commas separate items in a list, or a fronted phrase from the rest of the sentence.
What entrance test does Bloomfield Collegiate School use?
Bloomfield Collegiate School uses the SEAG Transfer Test (Northern Ireland), which tests maths and English. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Bloomfield Collegiate School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Bloomfield Collegiate School?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in November.
Preparing for Bloomfield Collegiate School?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.